After the great battle, life slowly returned to normal in the world of the living.
Zumba, however, was far from peace.
He had been sent to Dragon Tail, a realm filled with trials. Along his journey, he faced many dangers, but one stood above the rest—the Nine-Headed Dragon.
The massive creature blocked his path, its nine heads moving with a low growl.
First Head:
"Young boy, you wish to return to the world of the living?"
(laughs)
"That will only happen if you defeat us."
Third Head:
"You should turn back now. There is no way you will get past us."
Zumba:
"We'll see about that."
Host:
Zumba fought the dragon with courage and without fear. He struck at the heads again and again, but the dragon was far too strong. Realizing he could not win by force alone, Zumba used a clever distraction and slipped past the beast.
He continued deeper into Dragon Tail.
As he walked, strange voices echoed around him, calling his name. Drawn by the sound, Zumba followed it until he reached a glowing blue lake. From the water rose a massive whale, its eyes calm and wise.
Whale:
"HUMBA."
Zumba froze.
Zumba:
"How are you talking to me? And how am I even understanding you?"
Whale:
"HUMBA means Keeper of Life. Please, come with me. I need your help."
Host:
The whale led Zumba deep into the lake, all the way to its bed. There, Zumba saw something unbelievable—a baby boy resting inside a glowing bubble.
Whale:
"This child belongs to an ancient species. They are long gone. He has been resting here, waiting for time to pass."
Zumba:
"So… you want me to take care of him?"
Whale:
"He needs a new home. Can you do it?"
Zumba:
"Of course I can. I'll take him back to the living world."
Host:
Zumba asked how to open the bubble, but it was protected by a powerful force. When Zumba tried to break it using strength alone, the bubble burst suddenly, causing a massive thunderstorm across the lake.
Lightning crashed. Waves rose.
But Zumba held on.
He rescued the baby and carried him safely out of the water. After saying his farewell, Zumba left the whales behind and continued his journey.
As days passed, the child grew rapidly. What had once been a newborn now looked like a three-month-old baby.
Finally, Zumba reached the far end of Dragon Tail.
There stood the gateway back to the living world.
Suddenly, the ground shook.
The Nine-Headed Dragon appeared once more.
Fifth Head:
"You think you can escape us?"
Host:
Zumba placed the child safely aside and prepared to fight. As the battle raged, the gateway began to close.
It would not open again for one whole year.
This was Zumba's last chance.
During the fight, one of the dragon's attacks knocked down a massive pillar. It fell straight toward the baby.
Zumba didn't hesitate.
He rushed forward and shielded the child, saving him just before the pillar crashed down.
The dragon stopped.
All nine heads watched in silence.
Ninth Head:
"I see goodness in you. You are worthy of returning to the living world. Go now—and bring goodness with you."
Host:
Zumba bowed slightly, then rushed through the gateway just before it closed. Dragon Tail vanished behind him.
Zumba reappeared high in the sky above Earth. Holding the child tightly, he flew straight home.
Lily:
"Zumba… is that really you?"
Zandra:
"He's back! He's alive! Zumba is here!"
Host:
They ran to him and embraced him with joy.
Diana:
"And who is this little cutie?"
Zumba:
"I found him during my journey. I think our family needed one more member."
Lily:
"So what should we call him?"
Zumba:
"We'll call him Thundrest—because he was born from thunder."
Zambia:
"Welcome to the family, Thundrest."